How will the departure of Jürgen Klopp affect Liverpool most?

The announcement was a massive shock to the football world. The subsequent interview was poignant. The next press conference after Jürgen Klopp delivered the devastating news that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season was business as usual. And that is how Klopp and Liverpool would like it to remain for the rest of the season as Liverpool continue to hunt trophies on four fronts.

Klopp has enjoyed over eight trophy-laden years on the Anfield Road and has become a cult hero, not just on Merseyside, but to fans all around the world. However, his upcoming departure will be felt most keenly in Liverpool and the prospect of a Klopp-less Liverpool does pose a lot of questions as to where the club goes next.

The hierarchy in the Anfield boardroom have a long list of decisions to make, starting with what kind of manager they want to lead Liverpool into the next era. Betting markets will certainly be paying more attention to the rumour mill of managers linked with the Liverpool job. Punters might also be rushing to learn how to use the BetWinner app to keep track of the odds on where players such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk could be departing to. Right now, this is all conjecture. The dust is still settling from Klopp’s decision, and it might take some time for the dust to completely settle. But Liverpool fans might have to accept the fact that the future of some of their star players will be affected by the departure of such a likeable manager.

Klopp’s influence was not only seen on the pitch, but also in the dressing room and the city of Liverpool itself. The former Borussia Dortmund manager is the man responsible for bringing “heavy metal football” to England. His Gegenpressing style of play has long been coined as a footballing tactic. However, on the touchline, it was his energy that was particularly infectious. Klopp is one to let his emotions be known, whether that was to the fans, the fourth official or opposition managers. This endeared him to football fans up and down the country.

The number of managers linked with the Liverpool job is plentiful and the next man or woman will have big shoes to fill. Whoever it is, they will have to try and immediately show the immense levels of passion that Klopp displayed for nearly a decade.